T20 World Cup 2026: "It's almost like India beating minnows" - Sanjay Manjrekar on why IND-PAK clash is a "non-event"

Sanjay Manjrekar opined that beating Pakistan is not a tough task for India anymore, and wins against teams like Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa give him more joy and pride. His comments came after the Pakistan government officially confirmed that the Men in Green won't take the field to face India during the T20 World Cup 2026 clash on February 15.

Manjrekar said that the iconic rivarly has dropped down in terms of intensity over the years as India have managed to dominate their neighbours more often than not.

"India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match. And the reason for that is obvious. It's that India and Pakistan are not in the same league anymore. Earlier, in the 90s and before, it was fun because Pakistan was a strong team. But not anymore. Now, when India beats Pakistan, it is almost like India is beating the minnows. Earlier, you could have felt good on beating Pakistan," he said in a video posted on Instagram.

"That's how Pakistan cricket has deteriorated. I saw that in the Asia Cup as well. You just have to compare the young players that come through the Indian cricket system versus the Pakistan cricket system. It's the difference between the earth and the sky. If India-Pakistan does not happen in this world event, it is not a big deal because you still have Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Those are the matches to watch, and those are the teams that India needs to beat for us to feel proud about this Indian team. I think it is a non-event and is not going to bring down the value of the tournament," the former Indian batter signed off," he added.

The head-to-head record between India and Pakistan stands at 13-3 from 16 matches in favour of the Men in Blue. Last year, India defeated Pakistan thrice during the Asia Cup, including once in the final to lift the title.

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Pakistan and India are clubbed in the same group in the T20 World Cup. The Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia are the three other teams involved in Group A. The top two teams will progress from this group and enter the Super-Eight stage of the competition.